Lively army displays please crowd
OKWANE – Action filled army displays were a crowd favourite during the 51st Army Day celebration held at the Army Headquarters at Nokwane yesterday.
NAttendees were impressed by the displays as they would sometimes cheer in appreciation of the skills displayed by the army personnel.
The drills and displays, which included the Mandarin drill, unarmed combat among others, were meant to pay homage to the support shown by His Majesty the King to the army, as they were granted opportunities to train locally and oversees.
Members of the country’s three security forces joined Their Majesties in celebration of the 51st Army Day celebration, which was held at the Army Headquarters at Nokwane yesterday.
Pride
It was a colourful event where members of the Umbutfo Eswatini Defence Force (UEDF) took pride in their displays which drew praise from His Majesty the King, who appreciated the fitness and attention to detail which brought confidence that the country was in good hands.
Also present during the event was Ministry of Defence Principal Secretary (PS) Prince Sicalo, who was joined by army chiefs from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region as well as abroad who also came to show their support to the UEDF. Among the displays, were unarmed combat, Special Forces unit hostage rescue as well as the battalion display among others.
drills
During the displays by the different units, their senior officers, would take part in explaining then different drills while assuring that should the need arise, the army was ready and prepared for any situation.
One of the senior officers said even if there was another civil unrest, Their Majesties and emaSwati should rest easy as they were ready. “Simo masesibhedza silungiswa kanjena,” he said.
This was much to the amusement of the attendees including Cabinet ministers who burst into laughter. The speeches from the King and army commander were followed by the military displays and the entertainment session, which was held at the marquee.